REHOBOTH - The search for a new police chief is resuming. Selectmen voted to proceed with the search process, after putting it on hold for budgetary reasons.

Selectmen will begin interviewing candidates Tuesday and are expected to speak to about 10 applicants.

Selectman Frederick "Skip' Vadnais said at the last board meeting he wanted to continue the postponement until after the special town meeting in October, and possibly until next fiscal year. He said the town is in a unique position because it has solid senior leadership in the police department, and it would be the least disruptive way for the town to find money to balance the budget.

But Selectmen Chairman Christopher Morra said that delaying the search to save money would not work because it would increase overtime in the department.

"This is an issue where of all places to cut, we don't cut or eliminate the top leadership role of the police chief. It makes no sense," he said. "Having one less full time person available is the worst thing you can do because now you have less personnel on duty," he said.

The interviews will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Council of Aging and are open to the public. Acting Chief Lt. Michael Brady has been serving as acting chief since selectmen decided to not renew former Police Chief Norman Miranda's contract at the end of June.